Our Blog
Welcome to the Growing Roots Blog page - here we will showcase our involvement within the community, treatment and services that deserve to be highlighted and other exciting activities that we’re working on.
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March 2025
- Mar 26, 2025 How Mental Health Can Change During the Spring Mar 26, 2025
- Mar 19, 2025 Self-Harm Awareness Month: Understanding, Supporting, and Breaking the Stigma Mar 19, 2025
- Mar 12, 2025 How To Get the Best Night's Sleep Mar 12, 2025
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February 2025
- Feb 12, 2025 Six Inexpensive Ways to Reconnect with Your Partner This Valentine’s Day Feb 12, 2025
- Feb 5, 2025 Self-Love This Valentine's Day: 5 Ways to Care for Yourself Feb 5, 2025
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January 2025
- Jan 29, 2025 Bucket List for 2025 Jan 29, 2025
- Jan 13, 2025 New Year’s Resolutions: Is it laziness or executive functioning that keeps us from reaching our goals? Jan 13, 2025
- Jan 2, 2025 How to Pick the Right Supplements: A Simple Guide to Choosing What’s Best for You Jan 2, 2025
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December 2024
- Dec 18, 2024 Boundary Setting: During the Holidays Dec 18, 2024
- Dec 9, 2024 Holiday Stress: How to Avoid Overspending Dec 9, 2024
- Dec 4, 2024 How Laughter Can Improve Your Physical and Mental Health Dec 4, 2024
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November 2024
- Nov 26, 2024 Ask a Therapist: How to Survive the Holidays while in ED Recovery Nov 26, 2024
- Nov 20, 2024 Thanksgiving Survival Guide Nov 20, 2024
- Nov 18, 2024 5 Tips to Mentally Prepare for Food Holidays While in Recovery Nov 18, 2024
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October 2024
- Oct 16, 2024 Supporting Your Child Through Bullying: A Guide for Parents Oct 16, 2024
- Oct 2, 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness: Understanding, Prevention, and Self-Examination Oct 2, 2024
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September 2024
- Sep 25, 2024 Embracing the Dark: Understanding S.A.D and the Power of Hygge Sep 25, 2024
- Sep 18, 2024 The Science of Happiness: Impact on Mental Health and Managing Digital Habits Sep 18, 2024
- Sep 12, 2024 Suicide Prevention: Statistics, Resources, and How to Make a Difference Sep 12, 2024
- Sep 4, 2024 Understanding Burnout: Causes, Symptoms, and Strategies for Recovery Sep 4, 2024
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August 2024
- Aug 28, 2024 Navigating Grief: How People Cope and How Loved Ones Can Offer Support Aug 28, 2024
- Aug 21, 2024 The Power of Reiki: A Journey into Japanese Healing and Energy Balance Aug 21, 2024
- Aug 14, 2024 Preparing for Back to School: Tips for Mental Health and Smooth Transitions Aug 14, 2024
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July 2024
- Jul 31, 2024 The Effects of Loneliness on Mental and Physical Health Jul 31, 2024
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June 2024
- Jun 26, 2024 Understanding PTSD: Unpacking the Impact and Path to Healing Jun 26, 2024
- Jun 12, 2024 Ending the Stigma: Understanding Men’s Mental Health Jun 12, 2024
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May 2024
- May 22, 2024 The Benefits of Meditation May 22, 2024
- May 15, 2024 Empowering Women: Advocating for Your Right to Healthcare May 15, 2024
- May 8, 2024 The Effects of Diet Culture May 8, 2024
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April 2024
- Apr 17, 2024 How Therapists Destress: Tips and Strategies for Self-Care Apr 17, 2024
- Apr 10, 2024 The Benefits of Walking Apr 10, 2024
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March 2024
- Mar 29, 2024 Interview With a Ketamine Patient Mar 29, 2024
- Mar 22, 2024 Healthy “Mocktail” Recipes Mar 22, 2024
- Mar 15, 2024 Understanding Sleep Apnea and How to Improve Your Rest Mar 15, 2024
- Mar 1, 2024 Social Media: Understanding Its Impact on Self-Esteem Mar 1, 2024
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February 2024
- Feb 14, 2024 Attachment Styles and Relationships Feb 14, 2024
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January 2024
- Jan 26, 2024 The Vital Role of Sunlight Exposure in Human Health Jan 26, 2024
- Jan 18, 2024 The Importance of Delayed Caffeine Intake Jan 18, 2024
- Jan 11, 2024 The Pennebaker Protocol Jan 11, 2024
- Jan 4, 2024 The Surprising Benefits of Sodium: More Than Just Salt Jan 4, 2024
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December 2023
- Dec 23, 2023 11 Warning Signs of an Eating Disorder Dec 23, 2023
- Dec 21, 2023 Effective Communication Techniques for Building Stronger Family Bonds Dec 21, 2023
- Dec 20, 2023 7 Reasons to Digital Detox for the Holidays Dec 20, 2023
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November 2023
- Nov 30, 2023 The Silent Struggle: The Impact of Eating Disorders on Mental Health Nov 30, 2023
- Nov 22, 2023 8 Ways Families Can Support A Loved One With An Eating Disorder During The Holidays Nov 22, 2023
- Nov 15, 2023 Managing an Eating Disorder During Thanksgiving Nov 15, 2023
- Nov 14, 2023 A Guide to Understanding Eating Disorders Nov 14, 2023
- Nov 2, 2023 The Impact of Negative Online Content on Mental Health Nov 2, 2023
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October 2023
- Oct 30, 2023 5 Benefits of B12 Shots Oct 30, 2023
- Oct 18, 2023 What is NAD+ and how can it benefit your overall health Oct 18, 2023
- Oct 11, 2023 9 Benefits of Seeking Help For Mental Health Oct 11, 2023
- Oct 9, 2023 Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct 9, 2023
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September 2023
- Sep 22, 2023 What is Functional Medicine? Sep 22, 2023
- Sep 20, 2023 5 Action Steps for Helping Someone in Emotional Pain Sep 20, 2023
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August 2023
- Aug 31, 2023 7 helpful tips to address back-to-school anxiety Aug 31, 2023
- Aug 22, 2023 Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Help for Your Mental Health Aug 22, 2023
- Aug 9, 2023 7 Reasons why couples counseling could be right for you Aug 9, 2023
- Aug 4, 2023 The Important Role Grief Plays In Our Lives Aug 4, 2023
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July 2023
- Jul 27, 2023 Top 3 Ways To Stay Hydrated Jul 27, 2023
- Jul 24, 2023 45 Self-Care Ideas Jul 24, 2023
- Jul 20, 2023 What is Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy? Jul 20, 2023
- Jul 13, 2023 What is a Stellate Ganglion Block Jul 13, 2023
- Jul 5, 2023 5 Reasons Why Summer Is the Best Time For Adolescents and Teens To Seek Help Jul 5, 2023
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June 2023
- Jun 28, 2023 First Responders and PTSD Jun 28, 2023
- Jun 19, 2023 Misconceptions about PTSD Jun 19, 2023
- Jun 14, 2023 Men's Mental Health Statistics Jun 14, 2023
- Jun 5, 2023 Men's Health Month: Therapy for Men Jun 5, 2023
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May 2023
- May 30, 2023 Mental Health Statistics May 30, 2023
- May 25, 2023 5 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health May 25, 2023
- May 22, 2023 The Stigma of Mental Health May 22, 2023
- May 10, 2023 Parenting & Mental Health May 10, 2023
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April 2023
- Apr 27, 2023 The Impact of Stress Apr 27, 2023
- Apr 20, 2023 How to help an alcoholic Apr 20, 2023
- Apr 13, 2023 Understanding Sexual Assault Apr 13, 2023
- Apr 6, 2023 Signs & Symptoms of Alcoholism Apr 6, 2023
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March 2023
- Mar 28, 2023 Symptoms of self-harm Mar 28, 2023
- Mar 22, 2023 Supporting Someone With Mental Health Illness Mar 22, 2023
- Mar 17, 2023 Good Sleep Starts The Moment You Wake Up Mar 17, 2023
- Mar 16, 2023 Cutting-Edge Treatment for PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma Mar 16, 2023
- Mar 14, 2023 Social Media & Your Sleep Health Mar 14, 2023
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February 2023
- Feb 21, 2023 The Power of Affirmations Feb 21, 2023
- Feb 13, 2023 Our New Location Feb 13, 2023
- Feb 8, 2023 5 Steps To Build Confidence & Self Worth Feb 8, 2023
- Feb 2, 2023 February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month Feb 2, 2023
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January 2023
- Jan 17, 2023 A New Growing Roots... Jan 17, 2023
- Jan 9, 2023 Creating a habit Jan 9, 2023
- Jan 4, 2023 New Location Progress Jan 4, 2023
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December 2022
- Dec 30, 2022 New Satellite Location Dec 30, 2022
- Dec 29, 2022 Pre-New Year cleansing tips Dec 29, 2022
- Dec 16, 2022 Stress Management at Woodstock PD Dec 16, 2022
- Dec 9, 2022 Are you constantly getting sick? Dec 9, 2022
- Dec 7, 2022 Disordered eating Q&A from New Hampton School students Dec 7, 2022
- Dec 2, 2022 We're moving! Dec 2, 2022
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November 2022
- Nov 21, 2022 Integrative Medicine | Your First Appointment Nov 21, 2022
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October 2022
- Oct 25, 2022 Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Client Testimonial Oct 25, 2022
- Oct 19, 2022 Holderness Central School Presentation Oct 19, 2022
Understanding Sleep Apnea and How to Improve Your Rest
Understanding Sleep Apnea
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, yet millions of people worldwide aren’t getting the amount they should. Over thirty nine million Americans struggle with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep, sleep apnea can have profound effects on both physical and mental health. There are two main types of sleep apnea:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): The most common form of sleep apnea, OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, causing the airway to become blocked or narrowed.
Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): Less common than OSA, CSA occurs when the brain fails to send the appropriate signals to the muscles that control breathing.
The Impact of Sleep Apnea on Health
Sleep apnea can have far-reaching consequences for physical and mental health. Common symptoms of sleep apnea include excessive daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, morning headaches, and irritability. Left untreated, sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of serious health conditions, including:
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): The repeated drops in blood oxygen levels that occur during sleep apnea can lead to hypertension, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular Disease: Sleep apnea is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, irregular heart rhythms, and heart failure.
Type 2 Diabetes: Sleep apnea is more common in individuals with type 2 diabetes, and untreated sleep apnea can worsen insulin resistance and glycemic control.
Mental Health Disorders: Sleep apnea has been linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
Tips for Improving Sleep with Sleep Apnea
While treatment for sleep apnea typically involves interventions such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, lifestyle modifications can also play a significant role in improving sleep quality. Here are some tips for managing sleep apnea and promoting better sleep:
Sleep Position: Sleeping on your back can worsen sleep apnea symptoms by causing the tongue and soft tissues to collapse into the airway. Sleeping on your side may help reduce symptoms and improve breathing.
Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: Alcohol and sedatives can relax the muscles in the throat, making it more likely for the airway to become blocked during sleep.
Regular Exercise and Nutritious Diet: In general, exercise and diet play a large role in our sleeping hygiene. By maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet, along with regular exercise, you can reduce the severity of your sleep apnea symptoms and improve the overall quality of your sleep.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can worsen inflammation and fluid retention in the airway, exacerbating sleep apnea symptoms. Quitting smoking can improve both sleep apnea and overall health.
Use a CPAP Machine: For moderate to severe sleep apnea, CPAP therapy is the gold standard treatment. A CPAP machine delivers a continuous stream of air through a mask, keeping the airway open during sleep. You can also utilize other tools, like a mouth guard or nasal masks.
Conclusion
Sleep apnea is a very common sleep disorder that can take a significant toll on a person’s health and well-being. By understanding the impact of sleep apnea on sleep quality and implementing lifestyle modifications to manage symptoms, you can take steps towards better sleep and improve your health. If you suspect you may have sleep apnea, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Social Media: Understanding Its Impact on Self-Esteem
Introduction
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. It’s how we connect with friends, create job opportunities, entertain ourselves, and showcase our creativity. However, beneath the surface of likes, shares, and followers lies a world of unattainable perfectionism that can significantly influence our self-esteem and mental well-being.
The Highlight Reel vs. Reality
Social media profiles are carefully curated to highlight reels of peoples’ lives. Your friends and idols are posting their best photos on their best days, leaving out their struggles and hiding their insecurities. Scrolling through picture-perfect posts can evoke feelings of inadequacy as we compare our own experiences to the seemingly flawless lives portrayed online. Whether it's body image, career success, or personal achievements, constant exposure to others' accomplishments can fuel feelings of inadequacy and diminish our self-worth. When you’re met with these feelings, remember that these posts are just a fraction of reality. With AI, filters, FaceTune, and Photoshop, it is more crucial than ever to view posts on social media with a critical lens.
Seeking Validation
Likes, comments, and shares have become metrics of validation in the digital age. When you’re a human being, marketing yourself like a brand, the need to be liked by others becomes superficial. The quest for validation through social media engagement can create a cycle of seeking external approval for our worth and identity. However, true self-esteem comes from within and is not dependent on external validation. Cultivating a sense of self-worth independent of social media metrics is essential for maintaining healthy self-esteem. The image of yourself portrayed on social media is not a direct reflection of the whole person you are.
Finding Balance
Social media can have incredibly negative effects on your self-esteem. At the same time, it is also a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and self-expression. Finding a balance between the real world and the digital realm is crucial for maintaining a healthy sense of self-esteem. When you have feelings of insecurity while scrolling, put the phone down and remind yourself you are more than an image online. Setting boundaries around social media use, practicing self-care, and nurturing authentic connections offline can help mitigate the negative effects of social media on self-esteem.
Conclusion
Social media has undoubtedly reshaped the way we perceive ourselves and others, influencing our self-esteem in both positive and negative ways. By understanding the impact of social media on self-esteem and taking proactive steps to cultivate self-worth independent of digital validation, we can navigate the social media maze with greater resilience and authenticity. Remember, your worth is not measured by likes or followers – it's inherent in who you are as a unique and valuable individual.
Attachment Styles and Relationships
Introduction
On Valentine’s Day we take the time to celebrate those we love. Whether it is a spouse, partner, child, parent, or friend, we can use Valentine’s Day to show our appreciation for these relationships. How we love one another can affect many areas of our mental well-being. It’s very important to understand your attachment styles to ensure your platonic and romantic relationships are healthy. The four styles of attachment (secure, avoidant, anxious, and disorganized) stem from early childhood and hold the key to improving your connection with friends and family.
Secure Attachment
Secure attachment is what we should all strive for. Those with this attachment style are more likely to seek out healthy relationships and, like its name suggests, feel secure with their partners and friends. Secure attachments are formed from early childhood, from having parents or caregivers that consistently fulfill the emotional and physical needs of their baby. As adults, a secure attachment looks like an empathetic individual with the ability to set boundaries that cultivate safe, loving, and satisfactory relationships. You are able to rely on your interpersonal relationships for support, but are comfortable being on your own. Overall, you have a feeling of security.
Avoidant Attachment
If you describe yourself as a “lone wolf", you might have an avoidant attachment style. People with this style tend to avoid intimacy or feel on-guard when becoming close with someone. Avoidant attachment styles likely form if a baby’s caregiver only met their physical needs, not emotional. These individuals were taught to be self-reliant and independent. These can be great qualities, but can lead to loneliness. Adults with this attachment style tend to minimize the emotions of those around them, avoid them all together, or seek out people who also avoid emotional conversations.
Anxious Attachment
People who are anxiously attached tend to have unhealthy relationships. These people crave closeness and intimacy, but have difficulty trusting their partners and friends. It’s likely that their relationship with their caregiver was inconsistent throughout their childhood. Perhaps their parents were involved and attentive at one moment and distant or distracted at the next, leaving the child craving attention or recognition. As an adult with an anxious attachment style, you could be described as clingy, jealous, unable to observe boundaries, or in constant need of reassurance.
Disorganized Attachment
Disorganized attachment often stems from fear or trauma. People with this attachment style can find relationships confusing and scary. They might be controlling or distrusting with their partners and friends. Their caregivers, dealing with their own past trauma, created a conflicting environment of both fear and comfort for their child. This unsafe home-life often leads to a volatile way of relating to others. Adults with a disorganized attachment style might act in an antisocial manner or, when triggered, may act explosively and irrationally.
Conclusion
While having a secure attachment style is the goal, only about 58% of adults describe themselves this way. So, if you feel more aligned with an anxious, avoidant, or disorganized attachment style, don’t worry. It is entirely possible to work on your security in relationships. Through tools like therapy, journaling, group work, and open conversations with loved ones, you can cultivate more secure and healthy relationships. If you are still unsure which attachment type you are, take this NPR quiz to find out